When autumn arrives in Kobe, the mountain air cools, the city slows down, and the trees come alive with fiery reds and brilliant golds. From mountaintop gardens to centuries-old hot spring towns, Kobe offers a striking variety of places to enjoy the changing leaves — whether you're hiking under a golden canopy or soaking in a steaming bath beneath a swirl of crimson maples.
Kobe and the surrounding areas offer a wide range of fall destinations for photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, adventure travelers, and those just looking to enjoy the beauty of the season in Japan.
Planning an autumn trip to Western Japan? Here's a guide to our favorite destinations to see fall foliage near Kobe:
1) Nunobiki Herb Garden
Best viewing time: November - December
Ideal for: Garden lovers, peaceful walks, romantic views, scenic ropeway rides.
Perched above the city and accessed by a scenic ropeway, Nunobiki Herb Garden is a quiet world of aromatic plants, terraced flower beds, and open-air cafés. In autumn, the hillside bursts into warm color, with maple and ginkgo trees dotting the paths. From the top, you’ll get sweeping views over Kobe and the sea — a mix of nature and city wrapped in autumn haze.
In November, the garden hosts a limited Autumn Herb Festival with seasonal teas, warm herb drinks, and autumn-themed floral displays. The ropeway often extends its hours during peak season to allow guests to catch the sunset and early evening views — perfect for photos. The “Forest Footbath” area becomes extra popular as temperatures drop.
For More Information: see Nunobiki Herb Garden
For a Guided Tour of Nunobiki Herb Garden join our 1 Day Walking Tour Around Kobe. This sightseeing tour will take you around some of Kobe's best sights, including in-and-around Nunobiki Herb Garden. Make the most of the sights while they last with this delightful tour.
2) Mount Rokko
Best viewing time: end Oct – early Dec
Ideal for: Scenic rides, nature walks, panoramic views, quirky museums, art lovers, and active travelers.
Mount Rokko is Kobe’s crown jewel in autumn. Trails wind through dense forests of maple and beech, their leaves turning gold and crimson under the sharp blue sky. At the Rokko Garden Terrace or the Alpine Botanical Garden, you’ll be surrounded by color at every turn — with views stretching all the way to Osaka Bay.
Mount Rokko celebrates the season with the Rokko Meets Art – Art Walk, which runs into early November. It features large outdoor installations scattered across the mountain. The Rokko Cable Car and Rokko Garden Terrace sometimes offer nighttime illuminations, giving visitors a rare view of autumn foliage lit up beneath the stars.
3) Sorakuen Garden
Best viewing time: end Oct – early Dec
Ideal for: Garden lovers, traditional culture, peaceful city escapes.
Hidden in the heart of Kobe, Sōraku-en is a traditional Japanese garden known for its quiet elegance. The landscape changes beautifully with the seasons, and in autumn, the reflections of flaming maple trees in the pond create a painterly scene. Historic buildings like the former Hassam House add to the refined charm.
During peak foliage season, Sōraku-en occasionally opens for special evening illuminations on select dates. The garden glows under soft lighting, and traditional music or tea ceremony demonstrations are sometimes held in the main hall. Events vary by year, so it’s worth checking the Kobe tourism website or calling ahead.
4) Kobe Municipal Arboretum
Best viewing time: end Oct – early Dec
Ideal for: Forest bathing, quiet exploration, families and nature enthusiasts.
Quiet, expansive, and often overlooked, the Kobe Arboretum is a dream for leaf-peepers. Covering a massive forested area in the Rokko Mountains, it’s home to over 1,000 species of trees from around the world. In autumn, the entire park glows with red oaks, Japanese maples, ginkgo, and more. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and the perfect place for a long, meditative walk.
Each year, the arboretum hosts a Momiji Matsuri (Autumn Leaf Festival) with guided nature walks, craft workshops, and pop-up stalls selling local snacks and hot drinks. It’s family-friendly and rarely crowded, making it ideal for visitors who want a local atmosphere. Some areas are subtly lit in the late afternoon to extend viewing hours.
5) Arima Onsen
Best viewing time: end Oct – early Dec
Ideal for: Onsen relaxation, historical charm, day trips or overnights.
Tucked into the northern side of Mount Rokko, Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts. As the surrounding mountains ignite with autumn color, the warm mineral baths offer a front-row seat to nature’s transformation. Nearby Zuihōji Park is a hidden gem for foliage — once loved by Toyotomi Hideyoshi himself.
Autumn is one of the most popular times to visit Arima. The town celebrates with evening light-ups around Zuihōji Park, where the maple trees are illuminated along quiet walking paths. Some of the ryokan offer limited-time autumn kaiseki meals with seasonal ingredients like matsutake mushrooms and persimmons. Foot bath spots also stay open a little later in the evening during peak leaf season.
Kobe's Harmony: Mountains, Sea, and the Serenity of Arima Onsen
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6) Himeji
Best viewing time: Mid Oct - Nov 10
Ideal for: History buffs, photographers, romantic day trips.
Though outside Kobe, Himeji is worth the short trip. With its brilliant white castle walls rising above a sea of color, Himeji Castle becomes a postcard come to life in autumn. Right next door, Koko-en Garden offers a more intimate viewing experience, with traditional landscaping designed to highlight seasonal changes — a tranquil complement to the grandeur of the castle. Not far away is the
Koko-en Garden is famous for its evening light-up event during peak foliage season. The illuminated trees and pond reflections create a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere — with the white walls of Himeji Castle glowing in the background. On some weekends, you can catch tea ceremonies or kimono rental pop-ups, perfect for photos against the autumn backdrop.
For those willing to go a little further, Shoshazan Engyō-ji Temple, perched on Mount Shosha, offers a tranquil and less-traveled autumn escape. This ancient temple complex, featured in the film The Last Samurai, is reached by ropeway and surrounded by forested trails lined with crimson and gold foliage. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with sweeping views over the Himeji plains, makes it a perfect spot for contemplative walks and quiet photo ops. It’s a different side of Himeji — one that rewards those who venture beyond the castle walls.
1-Day Walking Tour in Himeji : Castle, Garden and Aizome (Indigo Dyeing)
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7) Suma Rikyu Park
Best viewing time: End Nov
Ideal for: Formal gardens, leisurely walks, quiet afternoon outings.
Inspired by the gardens of Versailles and Kyoto, Suma Rikyu Park is one of Kobe’s most elegant public parks. Long promenades, sculpted trees, and wide terraces provide a grand setting for fall colors. Maples, ginkgo, and camphor trees create a gradient of seasonal change, from deep green to fiery red.
Suma Rikyu often hosts a Seasonal Flower and Autumn Foliage Exhibition, where the park’s gardeners create themed displays blending seasonal blooms and fall colors. While there’s no major illumination, the wide paths are open until dusk and are a favorite for families and couples enjoying a stroll with seasonal sweets in hand.
Autumn Leaves In Japan: Everything You Need To Know
Occurring anytime between mid-September and mid-December depending on the region of the country, the autumn leaves are eagerly anticipated every year in Japan. Our ‘Autumn Leaves’ main page has everything you need to know including this year’s autumn leaves forecast, where to find them and our range of group and private tours in Nagano and Central Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to see autumn leaves near Kobe?
Kobe typically sees its autumn colors from early to mid-November, though some areas — especially at higher elevations like Mount Rokko or Mount Maya — begin turning in late October. The peak varies slightly depending on the year, but if you’re visiting between November 5–20, you’ll likely catch the most vibrant views.
Are there any good day trips from Kobe to see the autumn leaves?
Absolutely. One of the easiest escapes is to Arima Onsen, a famous hot spring town just 30 minutes from central Kobe. Surrounded by maple trees and traditional inns, it's the perfect combination of color and relaxation.
If you're up for a bit more adventure, head west to Himeji — home to Japan’s most famous castle. The contrast between the castle's bright white walls and the surrounding fiery foliage is breathtaking. Add in Koko-en Garden and Shoshazan Engyō-ji Temple, and you've got a full-day autumn experience.
For nature lovers, Mount Rokko and Kobe Municipal Arboretum offer sprawling forests, panoramic views, and seasonal events, all within an hour from the city center.
Do colours peak at the same time in all areas around Kobe?
Not quite. Higher elevation areas, like Mount Rokko and the Kobe Arboretum, often reach their peak about a week earlier than lower spots like Sorakuen Garden or Suma Rikyu Park. If you're planning multiple visits, aim for early November for the mountains and mid-November for the city-based gardens.
Can I see illuminated autumn leaves at night in Kobe?
Yes! Several gardens and parks hold evening light-up events during the season. Koko-en Garden in Himeji is particularly famous for its dreamy night illuminations, where trees and ponds glow under soft lighting. Occasionally, Mount Rokko also features art and light installations as part of seasonal events like Rokko Meets Art.
What should I wear or bring for a comfortable autumn foliage trip in the area?
Weather in November can shift quickly — especially in the mountains. Bring a light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and don’t forget your camera. Some parks and gardens, like Sorakuen, may also offer kimono rental or tea ceremonies, so having a bit of cash on hand is a good idea.
Can I visit off the beaten path locations for autumn leaves near Kobe?
Looking for a private tour or charter to any of the locations listed in this article? We've got you covered.
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We offer customizable charters for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups up to 45 people. Relax with door-to-door service to any destination listed here. Click the button below to browse some of our popular charters and to inquire directly.
PRIVATE TOURS
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Final Tips for Visiting in Autumn
- Book accommodation and tours in advance—fall is a peak travel season.
- Bring layers! Temperatures can shift quickly, especially in mountainous areas.
- Kanazawa is known for sudden bursts of rain, so don't forget to bring your umbrella or a raincoat!
